ACC Tournament 2012 Scores: North Carolina Will Cruise to Victory over Wolfpack

North Carolina put it to North Carolina State both times they played this season by an average margin of 15.5 points per contest. They have dominated the Wolfpack this year, and it will continue on Saturday in their ACC semifinal showdown.

The Tar Heels cruising to victory over the Wolfpack has more to do with how great they are rather than North Carolina State being bad, because that isn't the case.

NC State has an NBA talent in C.J. Leslie. They have energy guys like Richard Howell, and they have guys capable of stepping up in the big moment like Lorenzo Brown. However, I just feel that North Carolina's transition game will be too much to defend on Saturday.

North Carolina averages 82.4 points per game, good enough for second in the country. They get up and down the floor with a success rate unlike any team, and they have NBA talent across the board with Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, Kendall Marshall, etc.

Playing without an injured John Henson will hurt the Tar Heels, but they have enough talent to get over the hump. According to Bill Cole of the Winston-Salem Journal, Roy Williams says Henson couldn't even grip or catch the ball.

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"He could not grip the ball or catch it," Williams said. "If he starts feeling better about doing that, I think he would have more of a chance to play -- as long as the doctors allow him to go."

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It has been confirmed that Henson will not play on Saturday, according to InsideCarolina. 

Barnes, Zeller and Marshall are going to be the difference makers against the Wolfpack. Barnes is averaging 17.3 points, Zeller is averaging 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds and Marshall is averaging 7.4 points and 9.7 assists per game. These three have made North Carolina into one of the more dominating teams when they are on top of their game.

They have had their hiccups this season, but their game has been there for the most part. North Carolina has won eight games in a row and 24 of 26. This is a team on a mission to win a championship, and they don't want to drop a game before the NCAA tournament because losing a game prior to the Big Dance is never a good thing in my estimation. 

North Carolina State has a great opportunity to guarantee a spot in the NCAA tournament with a victory. For the record, I believe that their victory over Virginia already put them in the dance, but this would absolutely guarantee it. They are a solid team that is on a little bit of a roll, but their inconsistent play over the duration of the season will come out again on Saturday resulting in a North Carolina victory. 

Prediction: North Carolina 79, North Carolina State 70.

This won't necessarily be a blowout, but you won't get the feeling that North Carolina State has what it takes to seal the deal. 

Suivre @JustinWelton